The GEO Group is committed to making a difference in the communities in which it operates. Every year, through its charitable foundation, The GEO Group Foundation, GEO supports charities, schools, community organizations, and higher education scholarships for students across the country.
The GEO Group Foundation pursues this goal by making charitable grants to local nonprofit organizations, schools, and public entities to help them meet their philanthropic goals and public purposes. One of The GEO Group Foundation’s main goals is to help deserving students within its local communities achieve their education and career goals through higher education scholarships.
Tom Jonseck serves as Shift Commander supervising security operations at the Huachuca Unit at Kingman Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (KCRF). When off duty, Lieutenant Jonseck serves Lee Williams High School as Head Coach of the wrestling team. In May of 2022, Lt. Jonseck was named Coach of the Year at Lee Williams!
The Mooreland Free Fair is a week-long event that began in the 1930’s in Mooreland, Indiana. It has maintained free admission to all who attend since its’ inception. During the week-long fair, rides, exhibits, contests, car shows, concerts and entertainment, and even a 5K run are part of the festivities for those who attend. There are, of course, amazing food options to choose from that include typical fair foods like elephant ears, lemon shake-ups, and hot dogs; but they also offer Indiana favorites such as ham & beans, tenderloin sandwiches, and a pork chop dinner. The New Castle Correctional Facility (NCCF) has been involved with assisting with the set-up and tear down of the fair for the last six years. During the week prior to the actual event, a group of inmates assist with cleaning up the fair area and helping with the set-up. They then return right after the fair concludes to assist with the clean-up and tear down. During the week of the fair, another group of inmates assist with trash pick-up and do general clean-up prior to the start of each fair day. Mooreland Free Fair Board President, Jodie Brown recently stated, “I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate Officer Baker and his group of guys. They are all so helpful and always asking what needs to be done next. They make my job and the Board members’ jobs so much easier. They are all very good workers, and we really appreciate their help.” Facility Administrator Mark Sevier stated he was very pleased to be able to help the fair board, "We are always supportive of our local community and look forward to being able to aid in the coming years. GEO gives back to the community in so many ways throughout the year and we take pride in being a strong member of the community at large." The New Castle Correctional Facility looks forward to being able to assist the Mooreland Free Fair for many years to come.
Scranton Residential Reentry Center (RRC) residents continue to assist the community through community service activities. In June, residents volunteered for to the Blue-Chip Animal Refuge in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
We were proud to further our commitment to the environment by conducting cleanup activities at several locations on April 22, 2022, nationally recognized as Earth Day. Seven offices and nearly 50 employees participated in the cleanup events. The teams collected trash around their offices, at local parks, and nearby Florida beaches.
The Karnes County Detention Facility was honored to be one of the sponsors for the 91st Annual Karnes City Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Staff connected with county elected officials, local business owners, and community members.
Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization providing meals and transportation to over 800 seniors in the Montgomery County area. Next year, the local chapter will celebrate their 50th year of operations. Their slogan, "More than a Meal" encompasses all that they do to support and enrich the lives of local seniors.
For the past seven years, The GEO Group Foundation has donated $34,000 each year to college scholarships for students in Mohave County, Arizona, home of the Kingman Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (KCRF). That is a total of $238,000 in scholarship donations!
Chairman and President
Mr. Zoley is GEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board. He served as Chairman, CEO and Founder until July 1, 2021. He served as GEO’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 1997 to May of 2002. Mr. Zoley served as GEO’s Chief Executive Officer since the company went public in 1994. Prior to 1994, Mr. Zoley served as President and Director since GEO’s incorporation in 1988. Mr. Zoley founded GEO in 1984 and continues to be a major factor in GEO’s development of new business opportunities in the areas of correctional and detention management, community reentry, electronic monitoring, offender rehabilitation, and other diversified government services. Mr. Zoley also serves as a director of several business subsidiaries through which The GEO Group, Inc. conducts its operations worldwide.
Mr. Zoley has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). For seven years, Mr. Zoley served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and previously served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Zoley was born in Florina, Greece and was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2002.
As GEO’s founder, his knowledge, experience, and leadership are invaluable to the operation and development of the company. His more than 35 years with the company make him uniquely qualified to be GEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board.
Director and Vice President
Brian R. Evans was named GEO’s Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024. Mr. Evans joined The GEO Group in 2000 and has over 20 years of business management experience. Since joining the company, Mr. Evans has served in increasingly senior business management positions including as Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller and was named The GEO Group’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2009.
During his tenure at The GEO Group, Mr. Evans has been instrumental in successfully executing the company's strategy for three secondary public offerings of equity; the execution of multiple financing transactions; and the successful completion of major business transactions including the acquisitions of Correctional Services Corporation in 2005, CentraCore Properties Trust in 2007, Cornell Companies in 2010, BI Incorporated in 2011, LCS Corrections in 2014 and Community Education Centers in 2017.
Prior to joining The GEO Group, Mr. Evans worked for Arthur Andersen LLP as a Manager in the Audit and Business Advisory Services Group from 1994 until joining GEO. During his tenure at Arthur Andersen, Mr. Evans supervised the financial statement audits of both public and private companies and city and county governments. From 1990 until 1994, Mr. Evans served as an Officer in the Supply Corps of the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Monterey in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mr. Evans graduated in 1990 from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Mr. Evans is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Director
Wayne H. Calabrese was named GEO’s President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2024. Previously, Mr. Calabrese was appointed GEO’s Chief Operating Officer in December 2022. Mr. Calabrese had previously served as GEO’s Senior Vice President of Legal Services since September 2021. Mr. Calabrese also previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Operating Officer of GEO until his retirement in December 2010. Mr. Calabrese originally joined GEO as Vice President of Business Development in 1989 and served in a range of increasingly senior positions.
Prior to joining GEO, Mr. Calabrese was a partner in the Akron, Ohio law firm of Calabrese, Dobbins and Kepple. He also served as an Assistant City Law Director in Akron, Ohio; an Assistant County Prosecutor and Chief of the County Bureau of Support for Summit County, Ohio; and Legal Counsel and Director of Development for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. He received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Akron and his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron Law School.
Mr. Calabrese brings extensive knowledge and experience to GEO’s Management Team. His legal training and experience, together with his prior service in various GEO leadership positions, makes him uniquely qualified to serve as GEO’s Chief Operating Officer.
Director
James Black has more than 37 years of experience in corrections and currently serves as GEO’s Senior Vice President and President of GEO Secure Services. As President of GEO Secure Services, Mr. Black is responsible for the operation and management of secure correctional facilities and immigration processing centers around the world. He oversees approximately 72,000 beds and over 14,000 employees at 55 diverse facilities across the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Black began his career in corrections in 1985 as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Over the next eight years, he rose through the ranks to the position of Senior Facility Administrator. After joining GEO, he served as Facility Administrator for several GEO-operated facilities in Texas and Florida before becoming Assistant Director of Operations in GEO’s Central Region Office. In 2005, Mr. Black was promoted to Director of Compliance for the Western Region. He later transferred to the position of Director of Operations before being named Vice President of the Western Region Office in 2009, where he was responsible for the operational oversight of 17 facilities and over 17,000 beds. He was later named Vice President of GEO’s Central Region, before being promoted to Senior Vice President in 2021.
Director
Pablo E. Paez serves as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations for The GEO Group and is responsible for the oversight of GEO’s investor relations, external communications, media relations, and community engagement. Mr. Paez also serves as the Executive Director of The GEO Group Foundation and is responsible for the oversight of The GEO Group’s charitable donations and community involvement. Additionally, Mr. Paez serves as Chairman of The GEO Group’s employee-funded Political Action Committee (GEO-PAC).
Mr. Paez joined GEO in 2003 as Manager of Corporate Communications and has served in increasingly senior positions. Mr. Paez obtained his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate and Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Florida Atlantic University, where he served as Student Body President and as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees.
Mr. Paez has served on a number of community and charitable boards including the Board of Directors for the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association, the Florida Atlantic University Finance Corporation Board, and the Palm Beach County Chapter of Take Stock in Children. He currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees.
Chairman and President
Mr. Zoley is GEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board. He served as Chairman, CEO and Founder until July 1, 2021. He served as GEO’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 1997 to May of 2002. Mr. Zoley served as GEO’s Chief Executive Officer since the company went public in 1994. Prior to 1994, Mr. Zoley served as President and Director since GEO’s incorporation in 1988. Mr. Zoley founded GEO in 1984 and continues to be a major factor in GEO’s development of new business opportunities in the areas of correctional and detention management, community reentry, electronic monitoring, offender rehabilitation, and other diversified government services. Mr. Zoley also serves as a director of several business subsidiaries through which The GEO Group, Inc. conducts its operations worldwide.
Mr. Zoley has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). For seven years, Mr. Zoley served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and previously served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Zoley was born in Florina, Greece and was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2002.
As GEO’s founder, his knowledge, experience, and leadership are invaluable to the operation and development of the company. His more than 35 years with the company make him uniquely qualified to be GEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board.
Vice President
Brian R. Evans was named GEO’s Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024. Mr. Evans joined The GEO Group in 2000 and has over 20 years of business management experience. Since joining the company, Mr. Evans has served in increasingly senior business management positions including as Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller and was named The GEO Group’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2009.
During his tenure at The GEO Group, Mr. Evans has been instrumental in successfully executing the company's strategy for three secondary public offerings of equity; the execution of multiple financing transactions; and the successful completion of major business transactions including the acquisitions of Correctional Services Corporation in 2005, CentraCore Properties Trust in 2007, Cornell Companies in 2010, BI Incorporated in 2011, LCS Corrections in 2014 and Community Education Centers in 2017.
Prior to joining The GEO Group, Mr. Evans worked for Arthur Andersen LLP as a Manager in the Audit and Business Advisory Services Group from 1994 until joining GEO. During his tenure at Arthur Andersen, Mr. Evans supervised the financial statement audits of both public and private companies and city and county governments. From 1990 until 1994, Mr. Evans served as an Officer in the Supply Corps of the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Monterey in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mr. Evans graduated in 1990 from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Mr. Evans is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Treasurer
Mr. Maier began working for The GEO Group in October 2005 as the Executive Vice President of Tax. He is responsible for the overall accounting and tax filing for the organization. Prior to his employment at GEO, he was employed at the public accounting firm KPMG as well as served at the Tax Director for the company TYCO. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami and his Masters of Science in Taxation from the Florida International University.
Vice President and Secretary
Mr. Negron serves as GEO's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary overseeing GEO’s corporate governance, financial and regulatory disclosures, and litigation related matters.
Mr. Negron received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University, his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law and a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.
He has 30 years of experience in business law and complex corporate and commercial litigation. Mr. Negron has worked for several prestigious Florida law firms throughout his career, most recently in the litigation practice at Akerman LLP, and brings decades of legal experience to The GEO Group. Mr. Negron also served in the Florida Legislature for fifteen years, including service as both House and Senate Appropriations Chair, as well as President of the Florida Senate in his final term.
Executive Director
Pablo E. Paez serves as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations for The GEO Group and is responsible for the oversight of GEO’s investor relations, external communications, media relations, and community engagement. Mr. Paez also serves as the Executive Director of The GEO Group Foundation and is responsible for the oversight of The GEO Group’s charitable donations and community involvement. Additionally, Mr. Paez serves as Chairman of The GEO Group’s employee-funded Political Action Committee (GEO-PAC).
Mr. Paez joined GEO in 2003 as Manager of Corporate Communications and has served in increasingly senior positions. Mr. Paez obtained his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate and Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Florida Atlantic University, where he served as Student Body President and as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees.
Mr. Paez has served on a number of community and charitable boards including the Board of Directors for the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association, the Florida Atlantic University Finance Corporation Board, and the Palm Beach County Chapter of Take Stock in Children. He currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees.
